Tribe Report

'Martin de Vore'

Gathering of the Tribes

This Wednesday, Dec. 14, from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m., at 901 Bagby, in the Houston City Hall Building foyer, the tribes will be gathering for the Houston Municipal Art Commission Opening Ceremony. Yes, this is the same opening that was originally supposed to take place on Sept. 22 but was postponed due to those damned hurricanes. But, it's now about three months later and Houston can get back to celebrating one of its best assets -- our thriving art community.

Did I say "tribes" will be gathering? Tribes with an "s" as in multiple tribes? Absolutely. Just looking over the invitation that was sent out by Wayne Gilbert, I see members of the 101 Tribe, Redbud Tribe, Studio Gallery Tribe, Spacetaker Tribe, Elder Street Tribe, Gallery 19 Tribe, Winter Street Tribe, Artists at Large Tribe, Diversionists Tribe, Sippora Tribe and quite a few other artists that belong to tribes that I haven't gotten to know yet. It should be something. Personally, I am looking forward to this a great deal and if we get hit by bad weather at 3 p.m., like some of the TV weather people are saying, I will personally dispatch Mitch the Rain God to the top of City Hall to wield his iron rod to call the lightning and thunder down on himself for the good of all. (Carolyn, did you make our Caribbean reservations yet?) Just kidding, Mitch, but I will be pissed if bad weather keeps people away for one of the most interesting exhibitions of the year. I'll be there -- rain or shine -- and I hope that all of you will too!

This just in....

Duke Jones will be performing on Friday, Dec.16, at the Vintage Bar located at 4356 Westheimer at Midlane. For more information, call (713) 355-3093 or visit Duke's Web site at www.bluedukemusic.com.

Tribes and Tribulations

Now...for the past week's visits.... Sippora Gallery's "Red" show.

Let's start with Thursday.

What's black and white and red all over? Why Sippora Gallery of course! Home of the "Black & White" show in September and the "Red" show on Thursday night, Amy Meyers' events never have failed to entertain. The art is superb; the food and drink are plentiful, the music is good and there's always a fun twist of some sort. In September, for the "Black and White" show, the twist was Maia's exquisite body-painted model strolling around. Thursday night, it was an invasion by the folks from the North Pole. There were short Santas, tall Santas, jolly Santas, mischievious Santas and elves to delight all.

Musical entertainment was provided by Aaron Loesch. Aaron put on an incredible show. He has put on a great show every time that I have seen him play. I'm not 100 percent sure, but I think someone told me that Aaron would be performing at the West Alabama Ice House on the 15th. If that's the case -- go see him. You'll have a great time.

In a related matter, one of Aaron's entourage, Celeste Dvorak, who I had met before, was present for his set. When Aaron played at Amy's "Black and White" show back in September, Celeste was there as well. I found myself so thoroughly mesmerized that I sat for two hours talking with Celeste about topics ranging from plastic surgery (she works for a plastic surgeon) to our last names to art to music. I was captivated to the point that I missed going to a Winter Street open house with Gordy, Michael-Ann, Mitch and Carolyn. And I didn't regret it. Anyway, I told Celeste that I would put her in the Tribe Report, so, "Voila!" Here you are, Celeste!

Back to the show....

The crowds were packed all the time that I was there and -- to me -- it seemed as though there were more buyers in this crowd. I do hope the sales were good. The art certainly was.

Speaking of the art, my personal favorites were: "America Cries" by Missy Gentile, "A Bit of Crimson" by Salli Babbitt, "Redemption" by Holly Denslow, "Discoveries" by Alexis Andrei, "Crimson Spell" by Ray Phillips, "Masque" by Ray Phillips, "The Red Door" by Pam Knox, "Geared" by Christopher Piccola, "System Crash" by Christopher Piccola, and "Caboose" by Maia.

Those of you who couldn't make it to Sippora on Thursday should head over there as soon as you can to see the "Red" show before it's over. Of course, it would probably help if I told you where to go. Sippora is located at 234 West Gray. If you want to know more about the "Red" show, call Amy at (713) 520-1085.

One more thing.... As I mentioned, the crowds were pretty thick at the "Red" show. It was actually crowded enough to the point where members of our various tribes could almost walk in and/or leave unnoticed. Still, I have to mention that while I was there, I had nice chats with our fellow tribe members Mitch Cohen, Alexis Andrei, Dwight Bullock, Amy Meyers, and John Mercado.

Well, that takes care of Thursday.

Saturday, Dec. 10, began routinely enough -- five trips to Starbucks, watching football and enjoying a few naps. Still on View....

Redbud Gallery is currently presenting "Meanwhile Back at the Ranch" by Hudson Marquez through Dec. 31. Located at 303 E 11th Street, at the corner of East 11th and Cortlandt Street, adjacent to Texas Collaborative Fine Arts Printmaking, PRD Antiques and the Sharon Kopriva Studio, Redbud Gallery is open from noon to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, or by appointment. For more information, call (713) 862-2532.

Seeking....

Wayne, do you have a Web site that I can go to that has your upcoming events listed? I'd really like to include your shows here.

Coming Up....

Gallery 19 has a few events coming up that you should go see this coming week....

For example, there's still time to vote in Gallery 19's Holiday Art Stocking Competition. For more information, contact Gallery 19 at (713) 426-2414. The stockings will be judged by the public. The last day to vote is Dec. 17.

And don't forget, Gallery 19 will be having a group show on Saturday, Dec. 17, 2005, which is only one week before Christmas Eve. This is a great time to meet the Gallery 19 artists, have some refreshments and enjoy looking at some most excellent art. I've been to two of these group shows and have always had a great time. You will too. Heidi, Kyle and the Gallery 19 artists will be glad to see you. There's good work there -- buy something!

Until then, keep creating art, viewing art, buying art and supporting your fellow artists of all tribes.

Martin L. de Vore is a freelance writer living in Humble, TX. Mr. de Vore is a member of the Artists at Large and Diversionist tribes and enjoys talking to Celeste Dvorak and having his art shown with so many truly incredible artists.

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